Carolina Forest falls to 0-2 with loss to Fort Dorchester

Carolina Forest lost its second consecutive home game to start the season with Saturday’s 41-21 defeat to Fort Dorchester.

The Panthers’ defense was once against shredded by a prolific dual-threat quarterback as Baptiste Staggers broke loose for a pair of touchdowns of 34 and 16 yards early in the game.

Carolina Forest countered with star running back Harold Atkinson, who was limited to 96 total yards through the air in the ground, scored on a touchdown run and a TD pass from quarterback Will Brunson to keep the Panthers close in the first half.

But the Patriots (1-0) tacked on touchdown runs by Rashad Palmer and TJ Smith on either side of the intermission to build a 35-14 advantage and hold the Panthers at bay the rest of the way.

Carolina Forest tried to make it interesting late on a defensive touchdown off a fumble recovery by linebacker Marvin Taylor, but Fort Dorchester ran back the ensuing kickoff to account for the final score.

The Panthers travel to neighborhood rival St. James next Friday looking for their first victory of the season.